SafePlants

Sand Hickory (Carya pallida)

The Sand Hickory, scientifically known as Carya pallida, is a deciduous tree well-suited to dry, sandy upland soils.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the leaves are alternate, deciduous, and pinnately compound. Deciduous trees shed their leaves, which could be a consideration for cleanup in areas frequented by pets.

Considerations for Children

• The tree produces nuts, as indicated by the description of their husks. Nuts can be a choking hazard for young children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carya pallida (Ashe) Engl. &amp Graebn.
• Family: Juglandaceae
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Carya texana Buckley, Carya tomentosa (Poir.)
• Common Names: Sand Hickory, Pale hickory, Pallid hickory, Pignut hickory

Distribution and Habitat

• The Sand Hickory is found in dry, sandy soils.
• It is distributed from Virginia west to Tennessee, and south into Louisiana.
• It is common in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, especially in the Sandhills region.
• Specific mention is made of its presence in the Loess Hill Region a few miles east of Natchez, Mississippi.
• A notable specimen was found in Prince George's Co., Maryland.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The Sand Hickory is a deciduous tree that can grow to 30 meters (98 feet 5 inches) at a slow rate.
• It typically grows to be 30-40 feet tall.
• The leaves are alternate, deciduous, and pinnately compound with 7-9 lanceolate to obovate leaflets, which have a silvery-blue appearance.
• The tree flowers from April to May, and it is in leaf by June 10th.
• The nuts are small, with husks narrowed at the base and depressed at the apex.

Uses

• The wood is heavy, hard, and tough, making it suitable for tool handles.
• It is a good fuel source, burning well and producing good heat.

Quirky Facts

• The name "hickory" is derived from the Powhatan language.
• The Latin symbol associated with this tree is CAPA24.

Further Resources

• American Forests National Tree Register